Llull ready to join Spain's title defence at FIBA EuroBasket 2017

Three-time FIBA EuroBasket champion Sergio Llull has expressed his desire to pursue his fourth gold medal with Spain in the upcoming FIBA EuroBasket 2017, joining the ever-growing list of stars who are ready to suit up for their national teams at the end of the summer.

The 29-year-old Real Madrid combo guard has made himself available for selection and is expected to be one of the main pieces on Sergio Scariolo's roster that will be on a title defense mission after claiming the title in Lille back in 2015.

"I'm always available for the national team, it is a privilege," Llull said. "As long as the coach sees me on the team, I'll be there with my teammates, trying to put together another strong tournament and defend our gold medals."

Llull made his senior debut for Spain eight years ago at FIBA EuroBasket 2009 in Poland, when the country won the competition for the very first time. Since then, the player has represented the national team in 129 games, earning FIBA EuroBasket gold medals on two more occasions in 2011 and 2015. The guard was part of Spain's bronze-winning team in 2013 as well.

Pau Gasol, Ricky Rubio, Marc Gasol, Nikola Mirotic, Sergio Rodriguez, Alex Abrines, Willy Hernangomez, Serge Ibaka and Juan Carlos Navarro have all expressed their desire to suit up for Spain in one way or another.

The Scariolo-coached team will begin their FIBA EuroBasket title defense in Cluj-Napoca, having been drawn to Group C with the hosts Romania, as well as Croatia, Czech Republic, Montenegro and Hungary.

FIBA EuroBasket 2017 will start on August 31 and will be co-hosted by Finland, Israel, Romania and Turkey, with the Final Phase to take place in Istanbul